Ballina memorial to World War 1 dead

Pictured at the unveiling of The Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015, with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, were Cllr Damian Ryan, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council, Dara Calleary TD, Paul Benson, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Mr Kenny, PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Johnny O’Malley, Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cllr Gerry Ginty, Cathaoirlach Ballina Municipal District, Michelle Mulherin TD, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The unveiling of The Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, took place on Saturday, June 20th, 2015.

The monument was unveiled by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD before a large and representative gathering of local people, including public representatives, clergymen, relatives of some of those soldiers whose names are inscribed on the memorial, and representatives of the French and German embassies.

The ceremony got underway with the Ballina Brass Band Ensemble playing a Tribute to the Taoiseach on his arrival. Mr. Kenny was accompanied by his Aide de Camp, Commandant Kieran Carey; Peter Hynes, Mayo Chief Executive; PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, and Army Colour Piper, Sean Lavin.

PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, stand in silence as the piper, Sean Lavin, played ‘A Lament for the Dead’, at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday June 20th 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

Commemoration Day prayers were recited by Fr. Michael Harrison PP, Ballycastle (a nephew of Lance/Sergt., John Harison who died on the 1.4.1918). The second reader was Rev. Stephen McWhirter, St. Michael’s Church of Ireland, Ardnaree, Ballina.

There were readings by Johnny O’Malley and Carmel Hughes, prime-movers behind the project.

Mr. Clarke spoke eloquently about the lives of many of the soldiers from Ballina who died in World War 1 and, in particular, mentioned those families who had lost more than one son in the conflict such as the Hamilton family from Castle Road, Ballina, whose three sons died in the war.

As a native of Castle Road, this writer found that story particularly poignant and it brought back memories of newspaper stories I had written as a young reporter in the 1970s about the few remaining Ballina survivors of World War 1.

In his address, the Taoiseach, Mr Kenny drew comparisons between the loss of life in the Great War and the continuing conflicts that afflict the world today, most notably the Syrian civil war which has forced of thousands of displaced people to seek refugee in Europe by making perilous crossings of the Mediterranean sea in overcrowded boats.

Mr Kenny recalled how thousands of Irish emigrants made similar journeys after the Great Famine of the 1840s in coffin ships and, he underlined that this shared history of seeking refuge from hunger and war in foreign lands, had helped the Irish nation empathize with the current day refugees.

It was in this historical context that we, as a nation, were proud that the naval vessel, the LE Eithne, was based in the Mediterranean to help rescue these desperate men, women, children, and infants, fleeing from the Middle East and North Africa, Mr. Kenny said.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument by An Taoiseach, Isabelle Cohen, French Embassy, Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, and PJ Clarke.

Following a minute’s silence for the fallen, the piper, Sean Lavin played ‘A Lament for the Dead’.

The last post with dipping flags was played by Ballina Brass Band musicians, Jackie Graham, Liam Hughes and Eamon Mangan.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann.

The MC for the Ballina commemoration day ceremony was Paul Benson, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Ballina.

Remembrance Sunday, 8th November, in Ballina

The Ballina Comrades of The Great War 1914-1919, held a wreath-laying ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday at the Monument in the Green Park, on Sunday, November 8th.

Painstaking research

PJ Clarke, Chairman of the Ballina Comrades of the Great War Committee, Isabelle Cohen, French Embassy Dublin, and Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons after laying wreaths at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The story behind the erection of the Ballina Great War Memorial is a remarkable and personal crusade by Ballina native and well-known historian, PJ Clarke.

The 182 men from Ballina and surrounding areas who died in World War 1 are inscribed on the war memorial at Green Park, opposite the entrance to Leigue cemetery, Killala Road, Ballina.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD with his Aide de Camp, Commandant Kieran Carey, after laying a wreath at the Great War Remembrance Monument in the Green Park, Ballina, on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The marble monument, an obelisk, is a simple structure, but a lasting and fitting tribute to those brave men from different backgrounds who fought with the British Army in the First World War.

Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, was the prime mover and researcher behind the erection of the memorial, channelling his life-long interest in local history into a quiet campaign to ensure those who died on the battlefields of France and Belgium were not forgotten.

Along the way, he enlisted the help of other local historians, including Noel Gillard, Michael Moyles, Carmel Hughes, Dermot Hopkins, Paddy Gorman, Jim Henry, Jacqui Gilmartin and Paddy Tuffy, to help with fundraising, under the banner “Comrades of the Great War Ballina”.

Local politicians were called upon, including Johnny O’Malley and John O’Hara, to win the support of Mayo County Council who provided additional funding and a suitable place to erect the monument.

The memorial was designed by the Ballina-based Mayo County Council architect, Kevin Keegan, and the contract for its purchase, inscriptions, and erection, was undertaken by Ginty Headstones, Monumental Sculptors, Ballina.

PJ Clarke describes the memorial: “The names of the fallen are painted white to augment the colour of the granite stone and fit comfortably on the four sides.

“And instead of just putting Ballina beside each name, I researched each of the men’s home address, which makes the Ballina First World War Memorial unique in its own way.”

The first man to die in World War 1

The Great War Memorial in Ballina, Co Mayo, is inscribed with the names of the 182 men from the district who died in World War Co while serving in the British Army. Photo: Anthony Hickey

There is an interesting story behind each of the 182 names inscribed on the monument.

For instance, both the first and last Irishman to die in World War 1 hailed from the Ballina area, according to Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Clarke explains: “The first Irishman to die in the First World War was Stephen Kennedy, 10691, 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers. He was the son of John and Bridget Kennedy, Ardoughan, Ballina, aged 35, and tragically one of three brothers who fought and fell in the Great War.

“By dying of wounds in Athis Mons Hospital, France, he became the first Connaught Ranger, Ballina man, Mayo man and Irishman to die. His death is officially recorded on his headstone in Athis Mons Communal Cemetery; The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and especially on his Enlistment Service Papers.

“William was the recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It seems that the time around the 20th of the month was not a good time for this family (see dates). Another brother, Thomas, also fought, but returned home safely, and lived in Knockleagh.

Last Ballina soldier to die

“The last Ballina soldier to die in the timeline of the war was Captain William Walsh, M.R.C.V.S., son of Francis and Kate Walsh, Lower Bridge Street, Ballina, who contracted influenza on his way home on furlough from the Frontline and died of pneumonia in his parents’ home on 27th February 1919.

He was aged 26 and is buried in the Old Abbey, in the Cathedral Grounds, Ballina. (you can see his monument with the Celtic Cross just inside the railings).

The Ballina Brass Band Ensemble playing at the The Great War Remembrance Monument unveiling ceremony in Ballina on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. Photo: Anthony Hickey.

The epigraphs at the foot of the monument are in Irish and English:

1914-1919

All that we had we gaveAll that was ours to giveFreely surrendered AllThat you in peace might live

Erected by the people of Ballina in honour and memory of those from the area who lost their lives in World War One

Let those who come after see to it that their names are not forgotten

The names of the soldiers from Ballina engraved on Ballina Great War 1914-1919 Monument are as follows:

Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, beside the First World War Memorial Monument in Ballina, Co Mayo, commemorating those soldiers from the town and district who died in the Great War. Photo: Anthony Hickey

The French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen at the Great War Monument in Ballina on St. Patrick’s Day. Also included are PJ Clarke, Chairman of Ballina Comrades of the Great War and John Brown, Ballina Brass Band.

The French Re-Enactors and North Mayo Pikemen paid a visit to the Great War Monument in Ballina on St. Patrick’s Day.

The historical re-enactors had earlier attended parades in Ballycastle and Killala before coming to Great War Monument for the ceremony that was attended by a large and representative gathering from Ballina and surrounding districts.

The ceremony was also attended by Ms. Cecile Dejardain, Athis Mons, France, who laid a wreath to the memory of those 182 men from Ballina and surrounding areas who fell in battle, especially though to the memory of Pte. Stephen Kennedy, Connaught Rangers, who died from wounds in Athis Mons Hospital and is buried in Cecile’s hometown, which, incidentally, is a twin town of Ballina.

PJ Clarke, Chairman of Ballina Comrades of the Great War, read The Exhortation to The Fallen which was translated into French by Ms. Dejardain.

Afterwards, the Re-Enactors fired a volley in remembrance and John Brown, Ballina Brass Band, played the Last Post. The Re-Enactors and Pikemen then left to join the Ballina St. Patrick’s Day parade where they proved to be very popular with the huge crowd who attended.

Minister Ring and Deputy Mulherin visit War Memorial

At the Ballina First World War Memorial were (l-r): Cllr Seamus Weir (Independent), Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, PJ Clarke, Ballina historian, and Comrades of the Great War Ballina; Deputy Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael), and Cllr John O’Hara (Fine Gael).

Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, and Michelle Mulherin TD paid a visit to the Ballina First World War Memorial on Friday, May 1st, at the invitation of PJ Clarke, Comrades of the Great War Ballina. They were accompanied by Mayo County Councillors, Seamus Weir (Independent) and John O’Hara (Fine Gael).

Minister Ring said he was greatly impressed with the monument and Deputy Mulherin pointed out to him the name of one of her relatives inscribed on the monument – Deck Hand James Mulhern, HMS “Victory”, Royal Naval Reserve, who died at sea on 21/10/1918, aged 34.

Comments

Carol, I have no doubt that the people of Ballina are very proud, and grateful to your father, PJ Clarke, for his tireless and selfless work and research, over many decades, on this project that has ensured the families and relatives of those young men who died in the Great War will never be forgotten in their hometown.
No only did PJ research the names of the fallen – but he also discovered the contrasting family backgrounds of those men who who are remembered on the war memorial.
Sadly, many of the family names are no longer associated with Ballina – but hopefully their far-flung descendants will be able to come to Ballina to see how their relatives have been honoured.

Avril, the Ballina memorial is dedicated to the soldiers from Ballina town and its environs.
I cannot speak for PJ Clarke, but I do know it was a labour of love and he spent decades researching, in his own time and at his own expense, the names of the 182 men who died.
It would have been an impossible task for one man to identify and verify all those soldiers from other towns in the county who died in the Great War.
However, I’m sure PJ would be willing to give advice if someone from Killala, or indeed any other town in Mayo, decided to carry out similar research.

As an English/Scotsman living in Mayo I say well done to PJ for all his hard work. I’m sure the fallen will look down proudly from Heaven on him. Hopefully other towns will follow in his example. One thing I find strange living in Ireland is that I’ve not seen anyone wearing the Poppy to remember their war dead, I’ve heard it said that the Poppy symbolises ‘Imperialism’ which I find ludicrous, the poppies grew on the war zones by themselves. Keep up the good work PJ.

Appreciate your lovely comments. The Poppy was first worn by the American troops and then taken up by the British soldiers. See you on the 30th June at 1 o’clock when the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D., will unveil the monument to The Fallen. Thanks again. PJC.

Hi Kerry
Can you give me a little more detail about Martin J.
All I know is that his father was from Attymass, and his mother, Elizabeth (nee O’Flynn from Ardnaree).
I think they lived in Abbey Street, Ardnaree. Martin J. was 32 when he lost his life.

Hi PJ and family. As a fellow musician in the Ballina Brass and Reed Band many years ago, you proved yourself then in the ranks under the baton of Jimmy O’Rourke. Thanks for all the hard work you have put into research for our local soldiers. Keep up the good work. Marty.

My Mother’s first husband’s name is on this beautiful memorial. He was killed in Flanders.
I hope to find out if both of the Private Lavin’s on the Memorial were brothers.
I would appreciate any information you can research.
Their names are also on the Memorial in Belgium.

My cousin, Patrick O’Neil, lives in Ballina, (He might have worked on you car “Back in the day””)
His brother Noel O’Neil lives in Castlebar.
Their Aunty, my mother, Mary Agnes Kilgallon, was born in Ballina, of that I am very proud.
Warm Regards,
Rosemarie Arnold

Noel, my great old buddy was researching these men and he may have got some info. Noel and Pat lived at no. 23 and I lived at no. 5. I know Noel was anxious to know a little more about these soldiers. His uncle Joe suffered a war injury to his foot. Noel can be contacted at spud27@eircom.net. Nice to hear from you and keep in touch. PJC.

That’s funny, I’m researching the Lavins on the memorials in Littleborough, Lancashire, my home town and thought the Francis Lavin on the Menin Gate may have been from our family in Littleborough. I hear he was from Ballina, but enlisted at Preston…into the North Lancashire regiment. There are 3 Lavins on the cenotaph in Littleborough and one is Francis Lavin.

My grandfather was Owen Jordan and he fought with the 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers. He was wounded in action in France June 1915.
I have his certificate and photograph, of which I am extremely proud, on my wall in Solihull.
My mother was Patricia (Margaret) and and I lost her in September last year.
I visited Knockleigh, Ballina throughout my childhood and I have many good memories.
My mother talked about the ‘big house’ in Ballina where her own mother, Mary, used to work as a cook.
I understand it was owned by the ‘Clarkes’ and I would be very interested in any information forthcoming about my grandparents.
Thank you

Is it possible to find the family history of Pvte. William J Neary?
My Neary ancestors hail from Ballina, but I have hit a brick wall. My Grandfather, William Charles Osmond Neary (2nd son), b. 1896 in London, My GGrandfather, Patrick James Neary, b? (Married Honor Beirne 1883 in Ballina, (daughter of Michael Beirne and Jane (Hope) Beirne, shopkeepers of Ballina).
Patrick and “Norah” left Ballina shortly after their marriage and went to Scotland, then London, then to Victoria, BC.
Patrick and Norah lost their eldest son, John Michael “Tony” Neary in WW1 in British Columbia. He was a radio operator and a fatality in the Shipwreck of The Galiano.
Patrick James Neary was son of Thomas Neary and Mary Durkin (m. 1848 in Achonry Parish)..searching for relatives in Ballina area of both Neary and Durkin.
Many thanks- Terri

Just saw this. I knew Ballina had lost a lot of young men in WW1, but I never knew there was a memorial.
I’ve been going down to Ballina for over twenty years and I know Edward Doherty of Vincent Doherty’s Bar had two great-uncles who lost their lives in the war.
The next time I’m in Ballina I’ll have to visit it. George Friel, Ballymena.George, the memorial is located in Green Park, opposite Leigue cemetery and is well worth a visit. Anthony

I would like to congratulate all involved in this project, I appreciate the time, effort and determination required to research this memorial. I wonder if Pte Thomas Walsh commemorated on the memorial could be my great grandfather? He was living in Addiewell, like so many Mayo families working the shale mines in Scotland.Catherine, thanks for sharing that interesting information about your great-grandfather. I will contact Ballina historian, PJ Clarke, who may have further information on Pte. Walsh. Anthony